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Lay Zhang's 'Joker': Concept, trailer, how to live stream, cover art and all the buzz about studio version of EXO singer's viral C-pop song

Lay's new track is the perfect C-pop rendition and portrayal of the classic comic supervillain

Chinese rapper, singer-songwriter, Lay Zhang has just unveiled the studio version of his viral song 'Joker'. The EXO member's sogng 'Joker' is out now on all digital platforms. He released his fourth solo album 'Lit' late last year. The album also won Most Popular Digital Album of the Year at the second annual Tencent Music Entertainment Awards.

Here's what you need to know about 'Joker' 

Release date

The wait is over and fans can stream 'Joker' as the song released on February 1.

Concept

For fans of DC's Joker, Lay's new track is the perfect C-pop rendition and portrayal of the classic comic supervillain. The song opens with Lay as the Joker, taunting 'Why so serious" and letting out a devilish cackle. A clicky synth beat kicks in and layers of cheeky brass are woven in as he raps before the song's infectious chorus. You're going to highly enjoy this track as it is one of Lay's most creative projects to date.

The rapper gave fans a taste of 'Joker' in April last year when he delivered an exciting performance of the track on the Chinese reality singing competition show 'I'm CZR Ⅱ'. It has been a long wait for fans who can finally enjoy the official version. The initial performance for 'Joker' garnered over a million views before it also went viral on TikTok last year, seeing over 68 million views on the app and even starting the trending hashtag "#MagazineCover." Additionally, it is currently at 1.7 million views on YouTube.

How to stream

You can stream 'Joker' on various music platforms including, Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, and more, all found via this link.

You can also listen to the official audio clip on YouTube.

Announcement/cover art

Lay took to his social media to announce the release of 'Joker', on which he also shared the cover art. "I am glad to announce my single JOKER is out now! I’m so happy I can share it with you all^^," he wrote in the caption for the artwork on Instagram and Twitter. The cover features the title in bold with "JOKER" underlined by smeared red lipstick and Lay sporting a green suit and clown makeup.

How's the buzz?

Fans are loving Lay's new song and their reactions on Twitter was proof enough. "I can’t believe my wish has been fulfilled i love it" said a fan while another wrote, "THANK YOU KING producer composer songwriter all-rounder it all suits you AN ACE FOR REAL."

One fan described 'Joker' as "a song that exudes energy, a fun song, a song that has a broad meaning," adding, "not only Chinese but the whole world admits this song is extraordinary!" "The first time that i heard this song in czr2 last year I am hooked. #LAY #JOKER #JokeraByLay," tweeted a fan.

"Finally I’m so happy It is one of my favorite songs that I really hoped had an official copy on Spotify and on your YouTube channel Thank you," shared another fan.